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  1. #1
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    What would you buy?

    If it were you....

    I see a 2019 Ranger Z185 w/ 150 Pro XS with 20 hours for 32,300
    the other a 2017 Z518 w/ 150 regular four stroke with 90 hours for 31,000

    Both just have factory options.

    Wasn't sure if the little upgrade on the older one was the better option or the lower hours on the newer one was the way to go.

  2. Member
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    Apr 2014
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    #2
    z518 is a step up in quality and design. the z185 was basically a stratos boat from what I have heard. nice boat just not as fancy
    2022 z519 cup 225 merc 4s ser # 3B210484. 2--hds12 live units. 2 poles, atlas plate, ghost, hamby's, active target, merc digital gauges
    2002 basscat pantera 3 (dad bought new) sold 8-2-22
    2000 stratos 20 ss (bought new) 200 hp Rude ficht great boat/motor sold 11-21
    pulled by a 2500HD Denali
    proud dad of an ARMY Captain
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  3. Member
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    Oct 2017
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    St. Peter, Minnesota
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    #3
    Quote Originally Posted by WildmanWilson View Post
    If it were you....

    I see a 2019 Ranger Z185 w/ 150 Pro XS with 20 hours for 32,300
    the other a 2017 Z518 w/ 150 regular four stroke with 90 hours for 31,000

    Both just have factory options.

    Wasn't sure if the little upgrade on the older one was the better option or the lower hours on the newer one was the way to go.
    2017 518 if they are both in comparable condition. In my opinion the 518 is one of the best boats Ranger builds for the weekend angler. Well optioned out, it’s a rocket if you ever want to go to a 200HP and it’s very well designed with the 150.

    The Z185 is a decent starter boat but it’s very stripped down.
    2019 Ford F-150 Platinum (3.5EcoBoost/10spd)
    **Listed FOR SALE**2014 Ranger Z119C w/ Evinrude ETEC 225HO Running Croxton’s Razor 4XL 25P
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    Think like a fish, no matter how weird it gets

  4. Ranger Boats Moderator 22RangerZ520R's Avatar
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    Dec 2009
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    Louisville, KY
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    5,414
    #4
    Another vote for the Z518.


    2022 Ranger Z520R | 2022 Platinum F250
    Apex 19 | (2) Apex 16's | Mega 360 | Mega Live

  5. Member
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    Apr 2015
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    ponchatoula la
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    #5
    I’m bias I have a 518. Very nice rig. But it’s going to be underpowered with 4s 150. Different boat with a 200 set up rite

  6. Member
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    Dec 2016
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    #6
    I thought the two boats were the exact same hull with a different cap? What other upgrades does it have others than fenders? Yeah a 200 would be nice but the bump in money is substantial. They both weigh the same so a 250 should be the same on both. I hear people say they are under powered but what’s that mean? Is it just top end is 8-10 slower? I’m not a speed demon. Heck, I fish with a buddy in his old Ranger that’s 17 ft and has a 125 on it. He’s 400 pounds and the little boat rides great. He only goes 30 to 35 mostly. And we fish Ky Lake in it.

    I’m not a tournament fisherman so I don’t care if it takes me a few extra minutes to go to the next bay. I want a reliable boat that I can pay cash for and use it in my retirement years. But if y’all know of a great deal with the 200 I’m all in. Lol.

  7. Member
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    Apr 2015
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    ponchatoula la
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    #7
    The 150 propped right sounds like you. With a 200 it feels more like a sports car. More lift and the boat feels light. You don’t have to go wide open to enjoy it. I cruise at 4k a lot

  8. Member
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    Apr 2009
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    Indianapolis, IN
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    #8
    518 for me

  9. Scraps
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    Apr 2007
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    Havertown, PA
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    #9
    I'd pick the Z518.................with a 200 please Bob.
    2017 Phoenix 819
    2016 200ProXS, s/n 2B359849, Mod 1200P73BD

  10. Member avidbasser's Avatar
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    Jul 2010
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    Pilot Point, TX
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    #10
    Folks saying the Z518 w/ 200, the years he mentioned were not rated for the 200, only the 150. They changed to 200 in 2020, wish I would have waited 1 more year. AHAHAHAHAH

    If you couldn't tell, I also own a Z518. This of the Z185 as a starter rig. The trailer is different, the seats are different, the compartment details are different, the drivers controls / cockpit are different.

    The 2017 Z518 is prior to the L boat change, so it will be similar in layout to the C boats. Where the 2019 Z185 will look closer to L model.
    Been fishin' since I was 5 years old...Thanks Grandpa!


  11. Member
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    Apr 2015
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    ponchatoula la
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    #11
    Not true. My 98 518 dvs is rated for a 200

  12. Member
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    Jan 2005
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    Watson, Louisiana
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    #12
    Agreed. I have a 2013 z518 rated for a 200
    Respectfully,
    Captain Rab
    V1CO 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the
    world to put to shame the wise; and God has
    chosen the weak things of the world to put to
    shame the things which are mighty

  13. Member Dawnpatrol's Avatar
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    May 2009
    Location
    Northford, CT
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    7,091
    #13
    Between those 2 boats I would choose the Z518 w/ 4 stroke, but I would never buy a boat without having the max HP.
    Dawnpatrol.
    Goin Fishing be home for Hunting Season !!!!!!!!!

  14. Member
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    Nov 2011
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    Cedar Falls, Iowa
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    #14
    Quote Originally Posted by captainrab View Post
    Agreed. I have a 2013 z518 rated for a 200
    There were a couple of years that the Z518 was rated for 150

  15. Member avidbasser's Avatar
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    Jul 2010
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    Pilot Point, TX
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    #15
    My understanding is the Z518 C were rated at 200, the non C / L boats were only 150. If I'm off base, I apologize and will learn something new from y'all.
    Been fishin' since I was 5 years old...Thanks Grandpa!


  16. Member
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    Aug 2009
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    Claremont, NH
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    #16
    Quote Originally Posted by avidbasser View Post
    My understanding is the Z518 C were rated at 200, the non C / L boats were only 150. If I'm off base, I apologize and will learn something new from y'all.
    This is correct. When I purchased my 518 new in 2017 the z185 was just released, it has the same hull but different top cap and overall fit and finish uses cheaper materials along with the trailer not being as fancy. In 2017 the z518c was rated for a 200hp and the z518 and the z185 were only rated for a 150. Very frustrating being that all three boats use the exact same hull and having a G2 I may face the reality of having to repower someday and I would really prefer a 200hp or a 175hp at the very least, this is for top end speed only. As far as performance I can't speak for the 4s Mercury, but I have never had any performance issues with my 150HO g2. Hole shot is always excellent even when fully loaded with fuel, live well and partner and when light it really is a rocket to about 50 and then tops out at 60 on a good day and 55-57 loaded up. If you plan on keeping this boat then I think it is really your choice, but I will say that the 518 would probably hold more value and be an easier sell down the road based on its reputation.
    2017 Ranger 518 w/ Evinrude 150HO G2

  17. Member
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    Feb 2012
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    Oxford, NC
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    #17
    I have a 2019 Ranger 518L with 200Proxs warranty through '27 loaded out I have on market up and down to sell in NC if you are interested... Text me if you are 919-725-two six two zero





  18. fish8503@yahoo.com GOTTA BIG SACK's Avatar
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    Sep 2006
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    Pike Rd, AL
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    #18
    Pro's Choice Marine has a brand new Z185 for $34,900.
    2021 Skeeter ZX150
    2020 Sea Doo GTI se 170

  19. Member
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    Dec 2016
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    Tipp City, Ohio
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    #19
    I have a 2018 Z185 because you can store it in a 20'10" garage straight back. If I am not getting a 200 on the 518, I would get the Z185 with the PROXS over a non pro 4 stroke!

  20. Member
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    Jan 2020
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    South Point OH
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    #20
    The 518 is underpowered so not that one, if it had a 200 yes. Of those choices I would go with Z185.

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